Cats are notorious nibblers, and if you've ever seen your cat gnawing on a plastic bag by the kitchen bin, you'll know there's not much they don't want among their chompers. The world of houseplants can be a minefield for cat owners, as our feline friends aren't too fussy when it comes to getting a plant between their teeth – yet some plants are highly toxic to cats, while others offer surprising health benefits.

If you're looking to bring some greenery into your life, this list will guide you through the best plants to brighten up your living room or add some extra flavor to your cooking while keeping your baby's coat healthy.

1. Chamomile

You may know chamomile better as the sweet, floral flavor of your favorite night time tea – chamomile is known for its calming properties and has been used to calm and relieve stress for thousands of years.

Outside the tea bag, the chamomile blossoms into large, bright, daisy-like flowers that look beautiful against a bright window. They are super safe for cats, so place them around the house without a second thought.

2. Lemon grass

Evoking a field where cats might stalk their prey, all cats of safe grass love cats who will spend hours digging into its tall stems and crunching the blades. At most pet stores, you'll find cat-friendly grasses for soil—wheat, barley, and oats are popular—but in our opinion, the best of all is lemongrass.

Lemongrass is popular with cats and people alike because its subtle scent fills the room. Throw it in the stir fry too!

3. Peppermint

Cats are attracted to all aromatic members of the mint family, but peppermint takes the top spot as my personal favorite on the kitchen counter. Peppermint is a versatile herb that fills a room with a wonderful aroma and works wonders boiled in hot water to make your own delicious tea. This mint helps digestion in humans and cats alike, and cat fanatics appreciate how their furry best friend loves to sniff and nibble on its leaves. As an added bonus, the smell of peppermint acts as a deterrent to mice from the kitchen! Especially useful if your cat can be a cold-blooded killer.

4. Fresh herbs

You may feel like your cat is a four-legged version of you, and another thing you probably have in common is a love of herbs. A well-stocked kitchen with a selection of fresh herbs is a great way to spice up dinner, and your feline friend will thank you for it too. 

Rosemary works as a natural flea repellent for cats, and they love to chew on parsley, which is full of vitamins. Vitamins A, B and C, as well as potassium, are found in parsley. Boost your cat's health and your brunch in one fell swoop.

5. Spider plant

Spider plants are popular houseplants that add liveliness to any room with their overflowing foliage that juts out from the center of the plant. A spider plant in every corner turns the room into a real jungle. Cats love spider plants because their long leafy appendages make the perfect toy, responsive to the flick of a kitten's paw. What's more, chewing these leaves is completely safe for cats and can actually have a stimulating effect on them. Pick up a spider plant at the garden center and watch it explode to life.